The focus is on God showing himself in everyday moments. I encourage you to share your thoughts as well.

Saturday, August 4, 2012

Do What You Can--Guest Blog by Jeanette Levellie

Today, I'm featuring a story by Jeanette Levellie, from her book Two Scoops of Grace with Chuckles on Top. I think you will really enjoy her writing. Because of God's grace, Jeanette can see the humor in her own foibles, and she uses her personal stories to offer encouragement to others.

Jeanette Levellie with her grandchildren.

Jeanette writes with lots of humor, from a heart filled with love, and a desire for people to see Jesus. She and her husband, Kevin, relocated from Los Angeles to Paris, Illinois in the rural Midwest in 1999. Kevin is a minister. Jeanette has many stories of her experiences as a pastor's wife. They have two adult children, and three grandchildren. Jeanette's stories have appeared in many devotionals and anthologies, such as Love is a Verb Devotional with Gary Chapman. Visit her on her website: http://jeanettelevellie.com.

Following is an excerpt from Two Scoops of Grace with Chuckles on Top:Do What You CanWhen asked to speak for the Homemakers' Club at a Christian nursing home, I was stumped. I emerged from the womb yakking, singing, and trying to motivate others . . . . Still, what could I say to inspire women twice my age, and probably ten times my spiritual stature? I went to the One with all the answers. "Lord, I could use your help. Many of these ladies are in wheelchairs. Some of them are sick. Most will never leave the nursing home. What can I share with them to add some meaning to their lives?" The idea came swiftly, with surprising results. "There are people all around you who need your unique talents and abilities," I chirped to the dozen ladies gracing the room with their brightly flowered dresses. Although they listened kindly, I detected a shadow of doubt in their eyes. Perhaps I'd missed God's voice and brought the wrong message. They must have thought me blind or naive, not to notice their hands twisted with arthritis and their useless legs in the wheelchair footrests. Nevertheless, I forged ahead. This was the message I believed God had put on my heart. I had to trust His voice rather than my eyes. "While you may not be able to do everything you once did, the Lord can use you to touch many lives. God doesn't require a brillant mind or a perfect body for you to make a positive difference in the world. What He's searching for is a willing heart. He just wants you to do what you can." To jumpstart the ladies' discovery of unique ways to touch others' lives, I passed around a jar filled with colorful slips of paper. On each one, I had written a simple idea. Every club member chose two papers . . . . The lady who picked "compose a silly poem" rushed back to her room and returned with a bright blue notebook. She was a poet, and had recently written a ridiculous one that she read on the spot. Our laughter danced to the ceiling . . . . Several days later, I recalled the evening . . . . "Thank you, Father, for your splendid idea! You always go above and beyond what I ask or dream. You are so amazing." A familiar Voice stole into my heart, soft and steady: "What made you think I meant that idea for those ladies alone?""Let us consider how to stimulate one another to love and good deeds" (Hebrews 10:24 NASB).

What a delightful post! Jen is one of those amazing people who radiates love and joy wherever she goes and I love the cover of "Two Scoops of Grace!" Thanks, Rose, for sharing Jen and her books with us!

I'm glad Jeanette's words spoke to your heart. Just do what you can. I find it very encouraging to know that God is pleased with all our efforts, even the small and weak ones. We can plant a seed for His Kingdom; He will bring the harvest.Thank you as well for touching my life.

No matter what our age or our physical or mental abilities, we do each have something to share with the world to make it a better place and to brighten the lives of others. What are your talents and gifts? One of Rose's is her inspiration through her writing and the same is obviously true for Jeanette Levellie. Thanks for sharing Jeanette with us, Rose!

Hi Kat,I'm so glad you enjoyed the story. Well, you can still get the book in the Kindle version. Tuesday is Jeanette's birthday, and as a gift to everyone, she is giving away her book on Amazon on Tuesday, August 14th, in the kindle version. So, if you have kindle, or if you want to download one for free from Amazon onto your computer, you can get the electronic version of the book. Super! Thank you for visiting and commenting on the blog.

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About Me

What defines me as a person--first and foremost my relationship with Christ. Then I have to say my children. I have six children, three sons and three daughters, whom I love with all my heart. I graduated college wanting to be a writer and a stay at home mom. After my divorce, I became a teacher and the writing became a once in a while thing. I have worked in education for the last 25 years. I've served as an English teacher, French teacher, counselor and librarian. Currently, I'm an adjunct English instructor at a community college. In 2008, I started writing again. Mostly I write about God in my everyday life, how to connect faith and figure out practical applications for Scripture in daily life. God's goodness gives me strength for each day. Let's encourage one another on this blog. And, by the way, I'm a Southerner, born in Georgia, and have lived in Martinez (suburb of Augusta, GA) for the last thirty years.